Capacitive Touch Switches and Interfaces

How does a Capacitive Touch Switch work?

A capacitive touch switch works by using body capacitance, a property of the human body that gives it great electrical characteristics. When a person gets close (proximity sensor) or touches (touch sensor) the "button" or electrode, an increase in the total capacitance is seen by the IC, which then triggers an output.

Why use a capacitive touch interface?

Unlike mechanical membrane switches or mechanical push buttons it has no moving parts associated with it, which will eventually wear out.